Developer: Yuke's
Publisher: 2K Sports
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Release date: October 2013 (NA/Europe)

Yuke's retained the series’ core mechanics while attempting to refine grappling, submission systems, and presentation. Due to hardware generation limits (PS3/X360) the title focused on content breadth—roster size, modes, unlockables—rather than radical engine changes. Licensing and imagery were current to WWE programming of 2013, and the game juxtaposed contemporary stars with legends through dedicated modes.

The only genuine complaint at the time was the "pin system." The game used a rapid-tapping (or rotating stick) mechanic that was far too easy to kick out of. 2-counts were rare; you usually only pinned after a finisher. This made matches feel predictable but, conversely, made near-falls when they did happen incredibly exciting.

Is WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2K14 worth revisiting over a decade later? Absolutely.

Modern WWE games (2K22, 2K23, 2K24) have superior graphics and smoother grappling mechanics (thanks to the switch to the "2K Engine" in 2K22). However, they lack the charm of the THQ/Yuke's era.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2K14 is a relic of a simpler time in wrestling games. It is bloated, loud, and occasionally broken—just like the Attitude Era it loves to celebrate. It sent the "SmackDown vs. Raw" name off into the sunset with a massive, crowd-popping finisher.

Final Score (Retrospective): 9/10

It remains the definitive "Legends" wrestling game of the 2010s. If you own an Xbox 360 or PS3 and see a dusty copy at a garage sale, buy it. Turn off the music, blast the entrance themes, and relive the 30 Years of WrestleMania. You won't regret it.

Do you have a favorite memory from WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2K14? Was it the first time you body-slammed Andre the Giant, or did you prefer building a custom Universe Mode? Share your nostalgia below!

Ready to create a quiz? Use Canvas to test your knowledge with a custom quiz Get started : The Bridge Between Eras

WWE 2K14 is a professional wrestling video game released in late 2013 that stands as a landmark title in the genre. It represents a unique historical "bridge," being the final wrestling game developed under the THQ design philosophy while serving as the inaugural entry for the WWE 2K brand under 2K Sports. Historical Significance and Development

Developer & Publisher: Developed by Yuke's (with assistance from Visual Concepts) and published by 2K Sports .

Transitional Title: The game was originally intended to be titled

before Take-Two Interactive acquired the license following THQ's bankruptcy in early 2013.

Final "Old Era" Entry: It was the last WWE game to feature the company's "scratch logo" from the Attitude Era and the last released exclusively for the seventh generation of consoles (PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360). Core Gameplay and Engine

WWE 2K14 is often cited as the "Gold Standard" for its arcade-style speed and responsiveness, contrasting with the more simulation-heavy approach of later titles.

Predator Technology 3.0: An updated engine that introduced more fluid animations and "OMG! Moments," such as mid-air finishers and environment-shaking slams.

Faster Pacing: Unlike modern titles that can feel "slow," 2K14 maintained high-speed gameplay that allowed for rapid-fire maneuvers. Key Game Modes

Though there isn't a game officially titled " WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2K14 "—as the series rebranded from SmackDown vs. Raw ) starting in 2011—

is widely considered the peak of that transitional era. It was the first game published under the 2K Sports banner but the last to be fully developed using the engine and "feel" of the classic SmackDown vs. Raw Still Reigns Supreme 30 Years of WrestleMania

: This is the game's flagship mode. It features over 45 historic matches, allowing you to recreate iconic moments from the first 30 years of WrestleMania with high-quality cinematics and period-accurate arenas. The Streak Mode

: A unique addition where you can either defend The Undertaker's legendary WrestleMania win streak against an endless wave of opponents or attempt to break it yourself in an incredibly difficult boss-fight setting. Perfect Gameplay Balance

often cite it as the perfect blend of arcade-style speed and modern simulation mechanics. It includes "OMG! Moments" like breaking the ring or double-finishing moves that were more fluid than in later entries. Massive Legends Roster

: Because of the WrestleMania focus, the game features one of the best "Old School" rosters in the series, including Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warrior, Macho Man Randy Savage, and multiple versions of stars like The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin. Pro-Tips for Players Unlocking Everything

: You don't have to grind for every character. If you have the "Accelerator" DLC, you can go to Options > Unlockables and press a single button (X on PS3 or A on Xbox) to unlock all superstars instantly Hidden Unlockables

: Some characters have obscure requirements. For example, to unlock Eddie Guerrero

, you must beat Brock Lesnar on Legend Difficulty in an Exhibition match at the No Way Out 2012 arena. Community Creations

: While official servers have long since closed, the game was famous for its "Create-a-Finisher" and deep "Create-a-Superstar" tools, allowing players to build massive rosters of wrestlers from other promotions. Are you looking to revisit this classic on a specific console, or are you trying to find a modern alternative with similar gameplay? WWE 2K14 user reviews - Metacritic

The 30 Years of Wrestlemania Campaign is the main selling point of this game. it has lots of classic matches from the 80s and 90s. Metacritic

You are likely looking for a guide for one of these two games:

Assuming you are most likely interested in WWE 2K14 (since the 2K naming convention suggests this era), here is a comprehensive guide to the game.

Modern WWE 2K games chase realism, sometimes to their detriment (stamina locks, collar-and-elbow tie-ups for every move). SvR 2K14 hit the perfect sweet spot.

The "Predator Technology" chain wrestling (introduced in 2K13) was refined. You could still do ridiculous, arcade-style dives off the Hell in a Cell roof, but the grappling system required rhythm. The introduction of the "Omni-Directional Roll Out" allowed for smoother dives to the outside. Most importantly, the finisher system was generous enough to allow comebacks but strict enough that spamming wasn't viable.

It was fast. It was fluid. And it had Create-A-Finisher, which is still bafflingly absent from modern entries. Designing your own 450-splash into a Diamond Cutter? Pure joy.

This is the highlight of the game. You play through 45 matches spanning WrestleMania I through XXIX.